Feasibility of Public-private Partnership for Sports Hub

Mr Ganesh Rajaram asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) whether the public-private partnership between the Government and the Sports Hub remains viable and sustainable given the recurring concerns over operational, structural and management issues in the past two years; and (b) whether SportSG have officers experienced enough to deal effectively with the consortium managing the Sports Hub.

Under the Sports Hub public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement, SportsHub Pte Ltd (SHPL) is contracted to design, build, finance and operate the Sports Hub for 25 years. It has delivered a 55,000-seat stadium, 3,000-seat aquatic centre, multi-purpose arena and other facilities. Since the commencement of operations in July 2014, the Sports Hub has played host to major events, including the SEA Games, ASEAN Para Games, National Day Parade, International Champions Cup, HSBC Singapore Rugby 7s and WTA Finals.

Given the scale and complexity of the facilities, the project had faced challenges in the first three years of operations. More can and should be done by SHPL to enhance the vibrancy of the Sports Hub, and improve the quality of its calendar of events and programming. As with all major international venues, sustained effort and investment are needed to ensure progress for the project and to build up an exciting events calendar.

Sport Singapore (SportSG) is in constant communication with SHPL's management, to ensure that the goals and objectives of the project are met. It has a dedicated team of officers who monitor SHPL's performance closely and holistically. Key members of the team have been involved with the project since its inception and the team reports directly to the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive of SportSG, who have extensive public sector experience.

Like many Singaporeans, we have high expectations for the Sports Hub and want to see the Sports Hub succeed as the integrated sports and lifestyle destination that we envisioned. The PPP arrangement enables the Government to leverage the international marketing, operations and financing expertise of the private sector partner.